New York Park Ranked Among the Most Dangerous in America

National parks are some of the most beautiful places in the country. Millions of people visit them every year to hike, camp, fish, and enjoy the outdoors. But a new study found that one national park area in New York is among the most dangerous in the United States.

A New York Park Made the Top 10

The study looked at deaths reported in national parks and park sites between 2013 and 2023. They found that the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, which runs along the New York and Pennsylvania border, ranked as the third most dangerous national park area in America.

Get our free mobile app

During the 11-year study period, 17 people died there. Only Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona and Virgin Islands National Park ranked higher.

The Statue of Liberty Made the Safest List

There was good news for New York, too. The Statue of Liberty National Monument ranked as the second safest national park site in America. Even though millions of people visit every year, only one death was reported there during the study period.

Most Deaths Are Caused by People, Not Nature

Many people worry about things like wild animals, bad weather, or other dangers in nature. But the study found that most deaths happen because of human actions, not nature.

The Most Common Causes of Death

The study found that the most common causes of death in national parks were suicide, car crashes, and drowning. These causes were much more common than deaths from lightning strikes, falling trees, or wildlife encounters.

Men and Older Adults Were Most Affected

About 75% of the people who died were men. Adults over age 55 made up about one-third of all deaths. Children under 14 were the least likely to die during a park visit. More than 3,200 people died in national parks across the country during the 11 years studied. That works out to about one death every 29 hours.

The Bottom Line

Most visits to national parks are safe and enjoyable. The study is a reminder to be careful when visiting places like the Upper Delaware River or any other outdoor destination.